Schumi: I can't wait for Sepang.

There is nothing like a holiday to celebrate such a great start to the season. Ferrari #1 driver Michael Schumacher spent a week by the sea after Melbourne in the company of his wife and a few friends, among whom his manager Willy Webber.

It was a time to relax before taking on the suffocating circuit at Sepang. "We really felt comfortable, these few days have done us good," commented the Melbourne winner. "We had fun, we celebrated Willy's birthday. Everything was perfect."

Michael admits, though, that: "little by little I am becoming impatient for the next race. The fact is that after such a good start to the season I can't wait for Sepang".

The Ferrari one-two in Australia sent echoes around the world, created great euphoria among Ferrari fans, but Michael, as usual, did not get carried away by it all. From the press conference in Melbourne on, the German champion tried to put the brakes on such easy enthusiasm.

"In Formula 1 things can change very rapidly and we shouldn't forget that we have always done well in Australia. Malaysia, as well as being a very difficult race, is also unpredictable because of the climate. It isn't one of our favourite tracks."

This caution is emphasised decisively, revealing the desire of the whole Ferrari team to get to know that if 2004 better, to verify its performance on one of the trickiest tracks circuits in Formula One.

"That's right," exclaims Schumacher. "At Sepang we will be able to really understand what the set up of the car is like and whether we can challenge for victory. For us the season has opened well; things look promising. If, on the other hand, we get left behind in Malaysia then things will become more difficult.

"Malaysia, with its very high temperatures, will make it particularly difficult on the car and, above all, on the tyres. I have to say that if the tyres function perfectly in the high temperatures of Malaysia... well things would be looking decidedly interesting. We will find out soon enough!"

If Ferrari surprised everyone by its strength, for his direct rivals it was Michael's determination, his desire to drive, and his child-like enthusiasm that stood out. Some even confessed that they had not seen Schumacher like this for quite a while.

"This is so true and I couldn't even begin to explain it," declared to six times world champion. "I was very passionate about this first race! During this winter my love for the sport and the desire to drive grew even more. Maybe its because I have the opportunity to drive a car like the F2004, one you can only be satisfied with, and long for Friday to come along so that you can put on the overalls and race again."

So it is onto Malaysia where Michael will arrive on Wednesday evening: "We will start slowly. On the Thursday evening the first stop is the Philip Morris press conference."

Michael has to wait until Friday to test himself at the wheel of his #1 Ferrari.